Topical Bible: Symbols and Similitudes: Darkness, of God's Inscrutability

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◄ Symbols and Similitudes: Darkness, of God's Inscrutability ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Scriptures, darkness often symbolizes the inscrutability and mystery of God. This imagery conveys the idea that God's ways and thoughts are beyond human understanding, shrouded in mystery and hidden from human sight. The use of darkness as a symbol underscores the divine transcendence and the limitations of human comprehension.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 20:21 · "And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was." Here, the thick darkness on Mount Sinai signifies the presence of God, emphasizing His unapproachable and mysterious nature. The darkness serves as a barrier, illustrating the separation between the divine and the human.

2. 1 Kings 8:12 · "Then Solomon said: 'The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.'" Solomon's acknowledgment of God's dwelling in thick darkness during the dedication of the temple highlights the divine majesty and the hiddenness of God's presence. The cloud and darkness are not indicative of evil but of the profound mystery surrounding God.

3. Psalm 18:11 · "He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him." This verse poetically describes God using darkness as a covering, reinforcing the idea that His ways are concealed and His presence is enveloped in mystery. The imagery of storm clouds further emphasizes the awe-inspiring and unfathomable nature of God.

4. Isaiah 45:15 · "Truly You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, the Savior." Isaiah's declaration acknowledges the hiddenness of God, a theme consistent with the symbolism of darkness. God's inscrutability is part of His divine nature, and His purposes are often beyond human understanding.

5. Job 12:22 · "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light." While God is associated with light and revelation, this verse acknowledges that He alone can unveil the mysteries hidden in darkness. It suggests that what is inscrutable to humans is fully known to God.

Theological Implications:

The use of darkness as a symbol of God's inscrutability serves to remind believers of the vastness and depth of God's wisdom and knowledge. It calls for humility and reverence, recognizing that human understanding is limited. The darkness signifies that while God is intimately involved with His creation, His full nature and purposes remain beyond human grasp.

This symbolism also invites believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when His ways are not fully understood. The darkness is not a sign of God's absence but rather a testament to His majestic and incomprehensible presence. It encourages faith in the unseen and confidence in the divine plan, which unfolds according to God's perfect wisdom.

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Exodus 20:21
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
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Leviticus 16:2
And the LORD said to Moses, Speak to Aaron your brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is on the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.
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1 Kings 8:12
Then spoke Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
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Psalm 18:11
He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
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Psalm 97:2
Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
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Hebrews 12:18,19
For you are not come to the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor to blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
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